The STEM scholarship is made through the non-profit Eagan Community Foundation, which has donated more than $3 million in scholarships, grants and initiatives to the Eagan community since it was founded in 1990.

Power Systems Research, a global data research and intelligence company, has been providing a STEM scholarship annually to the Eagan Community Foundation since 2013.

“Power Systems Research has been promoting engineering-based research since its founding in 1976,” noted Joe Zirnhelt, PSR president, in discussing the scholarship program. “We believe it’s extremely important to encourage and support STEM education at the high school level.”

PSR also is a major supporter of the internationally recognized Experimental Vehicle Team (EVT) program at St. Thomas Academy in St. Paul, MN, and has supported the Lightning Robotics FIRST teams at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, MN.

Power Systems Research monitors global equipment production in 13 industry segments across 12 countries.  The focus of Power Systems Research in the powered products industry highlights a close tie to STEM, since technologies requiring continued advancements in science, engineering and mathematics are critical elements towards ensuring a thriving industry well into the future.

“Ryan Houth has demonstrated excellence in the classroom, the laboratory, and in his extracurricular activities throughout his high school career,” notes Zirnhelt, “and we’re proud to help fund his collegiate studies and activities.”

During his four years at Eagan High School, Ryan particularly enjoyed his chemistry classes and his extracurricular activities on the swimming team, as a member of several science clubs and as a tutor for students in pre-calculus, chemistry, and history. 

Chemistry was especially appealing to Ryan because, “it really applies to all the fundamentals of life,” he says. “Our entire life is built on chemicals.”

He also works as a lifeguard in the District 196 Aquatics program and the Cascade Bay Water Park in Eagan. “I particularly enjoyed my lifeguard work,” says Ryan, “because it taught me to be assertive with customers without being rude. It teaches responsibility. And it teaches me how to tell kids what they can do and what they can’t do.”

Ryan plans to attend the University of Wisconsin at Madison this fall where he will pursue a double major in biochemistry and Musical Performance. After graduation from UW, Ryan plans to enter dentistry school and possibly join a musical organization, perhaps a jazz band. He hopes to continue his musical involvement because he’s developed a great passion for music after playing in bands for nearly eight years.

Ryan plays the euphonium, an instrument that looks like a miniature tuba but sounds more like a trombone. Ryan’s somewhat humorous description of the instrument: If a tuba and a trombone had a baby, it would be a euphonium.

One of Ryan’s most memorable high school achievements was winning a spot in the prestigious Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) band. “It was a huge accomplishment for me,” he says. Only about four candidates win the euphonium spots in the band out of the more than 20 who apply. 

Of all his activities, Ryan especially enjoyed tutoring. ‘’I really liked doing that,” he said. “Watching students do well in tests makes me really happy, it makes me happy to see them do well, to succeed.”

“It sounds as though you might be headed for a career in teaching,” I suggested.”

“Maybe,” he said. “Maybe.” PSR

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

• EV Investment May Be at Risk in Europe
• Electrifying Your Fleet Isn’t Just About Going Green
• Toyota Pulls Plug on Lexus EV
• New Battery Could Last 16 Years Without Capacity Loss
• PV Equipped Vehicles May Cover 80% of Electricity Needs

TRUCK PRODUCTION REPORT: Strict EV Mandates Could Implode Economy
DATAPOINT REPORT: 2026 North American ATV Production
EUROPE REPORT:

• German Market Continues To Struggle
• Exmar Pushes Ammonia-Fueled Maritime Engines
• Beneteau Posts Strong Q1 2026 Results

SOUTH AMERICA/BRAZIL REPORT:

• AGCO Presents Advances in Alternative Fuels Engines
• Randon Exports Semitrailers to Indonesia
• Chinese DFMoto Starts SA Operations with Motorcycles
• Public Funding Program Fails To Halt Brazil Truck Market Decline

JAPAN REPORT: Hitachi Moves Toward Remote Construction Deployment
SOUTH KOREA REPORT: Construction Equipment Exports Move into Strategic Markets
THAILAND REPORT: EV Policy Moves from Adoption To Industrial Absorption
CHINA REPORT: Plan Sets New Energy Goal of 40% Market Share for Heavy Duty Trucks
INDIA REPORT: Biofuels Lead Next Phase of Auto Fuel Transition

A 4-Wheeled ATV is another term for All Terrain Vehicle. It has 4 wheels and is designed to be driven off road. It seats one person, or sometimes two, one in front of the other.

This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink , which provides information on engines, and OE Link, a database of equipment manufacturers.

Trends. In 2025, production of ATVs in North America decreased 12%. But production is expected to gain a nominal 1% in 2026. Uncertain economic outlook, rising production costs and the growing popularity of side x side units (utility vehicles) are main reasons for the production decline. 

Manufacturers have discontinued less popular models/variants and are concentrating on bestselling units due to saturation in the market.  ATVs are used in a variety of activities that include recreation, sport and military related needs.

According to investor relations for Yamaha, Polaris Industries and Arctic Cat, consumer discretionary spending is on the rise.  Production is expected to improve as indicated by current economic factors along with the introduction of innovative products and technologies.  Look for an additional increase up to 5-10% by 2035, although gas price increases caused by the war in Iran may affect sales.

No electric/battery powered units were produced until 2026 MY. BRP Mexico has two Outlander electric models it is introducing 2026 MY.    PSR

Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, at Power Systems Research

Data released in early June by the VDMA (German Engineering Federation) shows that Germany’s domestic machinery orders fell 4% to 5% in real terms year-over-year. High manufacturing costs and rigid bureaucracy continue to weigh down the home market. However, the industry is forecasting a 1% production recovery to $15.72 billion USD (€13.7 billion) for the latter half of 2026. This mild turnaround is entirely driven by the rollout of the German federal government’s “Special Assets” (Sondervermögen) off-budget funds, which are finally trickling down into physical orders for climate protection, infrastructure, and defense machinery.

Source: VDMA and VDW   Read The Article   Read The Article   Read The Article

PSR Analysis. For German heavyweights like Wacker Neuson, BMW Group, and Stihl, the message is clear: survival inside Germany requires a shift away from standard commercial lines toward state-funded infrastructure and municipal grid expansion.

To fight off rising Chinese export competition (which jumped 18%), German OEMs are increasingly shifting to a “Local-for-Local” manufacturing footprint, moving up to 20% of their production capability out of Germany into other eastern EU regions (like Poland and Romania) to capture lower labor and operational costs while maintaining an EU-origin label.   PSR

Emiliano Marzoli is Manager of European Operations for Power Systems Research

AGCO has presented new AGCO Power engines powered by ethanol and biomethane for agricultural machinery, developed by its South American engineering team. The solutions target tractors in the 200 hp to 300 hp range and were validated in real field operations, including sugarcane and grain crops.

The ethanol engine uses dedicated ignition and injection systems, while the biomethane version is aimed at farms with access to biomass and biogas production. According to AGCO, the technologies can deliver diesel equivalent performance and reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions by up to 90%. Market introduction is expected in 2027 for biomethane and in 2028 for ethanol.

Source:Revista M&T with information from AGCO press office.  Read The Articles

PSR Analysis. Rising oil prices, diesel supply risks, and the resulting insecurity for farmers strengthen the case for engines powered by locally produced fuels such as ethanol and biomethane. As with other engine manufacturers and OEMs, AGCO is investing to respond to this demand and enable access to lower carbon technologies suited to South America’s agricultural fuel base.

The key uncertainty is when these solutions will become commercially competitive against diesel in acquisition cost, operating cost, and fuel availability. Hybrid powertrain support may become relevant to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and accelerate competitiveness in some agricultural applications, especially for sugar cane producers.    PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research

The exported Tetratrem can carry up to 144 metric tons, with a Gross Combined Weight of 211 metric tons. Prototype units are being shipped for customer testing between May and June 2026, with the contracted batch of around 174 products expected to start shipping in July.

Source: Revista M&T with information from Randon press office.  Read Articles

PSR Analysis. The export to Indonesia reinforces Randon’s internationalization strategy as a road implement manufacturer, following the same structural expansion trend seen in the group’s auto parts businesses and Frasle Mobility. By applying Brazilian expertise in high capacity agribusiness logistics to Southeast Asia, Randon expands its addressable market, although competitiveness will depend on local adaptation, after sales support, logistics efficiency, and customer validation under Indonesian operating conditions.  PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research

The IBEX 700 uses a 693 cc two cylinder engine with 67.9 hp. Prices start at R$ 32,990 for the 450 CL-C, R$ 33,990 for the Bobber, R$ 35,990 for the IBEX 450, and R$ 44,990 for the IBEX 700. All models include a three year warranty and fixed price maintenance up to 30,000 km.

Source: Automotive Business.    Read The Article

PSR Analysis. CFMoto’s entry reinforces the expansion of Chinese motorcycle manufacturers in Brazil through local CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly, competitive pricing, and a portfolio positioned in mid displacement custom and adventure segments.

The Manaus operation gives the brand industrial and tax structure alignment with the Brazilian two wheel market, while the initial dealer network indicates a controlled market entry. The main challenge will be building brand trust, parts availability, after sales capacity, and residual value perception against established Japanese and European competitors.   PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research

The Move Brazil financing program helped slow the market contraction but was not enough to reverse the decline. Truck production also fell 17.2% from January to April, to 35,400 units, while exports declined 14%, to 7,000 units. ANFAVEA, the main association of Producers, expects support from Move Brazil 2, which will provide US$ 4.11 billion (R$ 21.2 billion) for truck, bus, and road implement financing, with terms of up to 120 months and a limit of US$9.70 million (R$ 50 million) per beneficiary.

Source: AutoData   Read The Article

PSR Analysis. Subsidized financing can soften the truck market downturn, but demand remains constrained by high acquisition costs, credit conditions, and economy uncertainty. Move Brazil 2 may improve short term order intake for OEMs and implement manufacturers, but a sustained recovery will not take place until lower interest rates are in place and clearer economic outlook for operators.   PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research

Hitachi Construction Machinery announced that a joint demonstration test will begin with Fukudome Kaihatsu in Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, using a ZX200A-7 20-ton class hydraulic excavator and a real-time digital twin platform. The test will be conducted in  June 2026 at a river dredging project site in the Niyodo River Mochiishi District.

The platform integrates 3D terrain data, camera images, construction machinery, vehicles, and worker location information in real time, and reproduces the worksite in a virtual 3D space. The demonstration will compare remote operation under direct visual observation, remote operation using camera images, and remote operation using the real-time digital twin platform, in order to verify its effect on safety and productivity.

A related example can be seen in agricultural machinery, where NTT, Kubota, and NTT DOCOMO demonstrated communication technologies for the remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery in mountainous areas. The demonstration combined mobile and satellite communications with video control technology to support stable remote operation under fluctuating communication conditions.

Source: Hitachi Construction Machinery / NTT, Kubota and NTT DOCOMO

PSR Analysis: The significance of this announcement is not simply that Japanese construction machinery is becoming more digital. The more important point is that Japan’s off-highway sector is beginning to show a practical path for dealing with one of its most serious structural constraints: the shrinking supply of skilled operators.

In Japan, the discussion around construction machinery and agricultural machinery often turns quickly to electrification or autonomy. Both are important long-term themes, but they are not necessarily the first areas where the market will see broad practical adoption. On many construction sites, especially in civil engineering, disaster recovery, and regional public works, the immediate problem is not how to replace the diesel engine. It is how to keep work moving when experienced operators are becoming harder to secure, and when safety requirements are rising.

That is why remote construction using digital twin technology deserves attention. Full autonomy remains difficult in construction because the work environment is highly variable. Ground conditions change, surrounding objects move, work procedures differ by site, and judgment often depends on the operator’s understanding of the whole worksite. A digital twin platform does not remove the operator from the process. Instead, it gives the operator and site manager a better view of the jobsite and supports better decision-making from a remote location.

This distinction matters. Remote operation and worksite visualization can be introduced as an extension of existing hydraulic excavators and construction workflows. They do not require an immediate shift to a completely new machine architecture. For users, that makes adoption more realistic. For OEMs and suppliers, it means that competitiveness will increasingly depend on how well machines can be integrated into connected worksite systems, not only on conventional measures such as power, durability, fuel efficiency, or hydraulic performance.

The agricultural machinery case points to the same issue from another direction. Robot tractors and other automated machines cannot operate safely at scale without stable communications, reliable video transmission, and remote monitoring. In mountainous areas, where communication quality can fluctuate sharply, the machine itself is only one part of the solution. The broader system — communications, software, sensors, video control, and supervision — becomes just as important as the vehicle.

For the Japanese off-highway market, this suggests that “labor-saving” may become a more immediate commercial driver than electrification. Diesel-powered machines are likely to remain in use for many applications, but they will be expected to operate within increasingly digital and remotely managed environments. The future competitive question may therefore shift from “who builds the best machine?” to “whose machine fits best into a safer, more productive, and more remotely managed worksite?”

This is a meaningful direction for Japan. It plays to the country’s strengths in machinery, field engineering, telecommunications, and incremental system integration. It also addresses a problem that is already visible in the market: not a shortage of machines, but a shortage of people who can operate them efficiently and safely. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research